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The return of live performance is finally upon us. Yay! Our correspondent Abbie Martin Greenbaum has curated a list of the 10 live events in the arts, entertainment and culture – performances, shows, and concerts – best to experience in-person this spring 2021.

10 post-COVID 19 events to experience live and in-person this spring 2021

Now that many of us are vaccinated, the world has begun its slow return to in-person activities. And after more than a year of zoom readings and canceled shows, we can hardly believe that the return of live performance is almost upon us.

10 live events in the arts, entertainment and culture - performances, shows, and concerts - best to experience in-person this spring 2021.

10 live events in the arts, entertainment and culture – performances, shows, and concerts – best to experience in-person this spring 2021.

Although we may have to wait a little longer for Broadway to open up its halls, there are a few places where you can already attend live, in-person events – yes, really.

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So if you’ve already had your second shot, and you’re looking to make your big return to the art world, look below. These ten shows, concerts, and experiences are all happening now or in the next couple of months, and we can’t wait to try them all. Book your tickets and prepare to savor the taste of IRL entertainment. And if you aren’t able to get to New York just yet, don’t worry – we’re delighted to say that we’re sure there’s more to come.

The top ten performances to experience live in-person events

1. Perfect Crime

Perfect Crime was already New York’s longest running play, and they are about to make history in a new way: by being the first off-Broadway show to restart performances, in-person and with actors, on April 17th. The show is a comedic thriller, about a wealthy psychiatrist who is accused of murdering her husband. It’s fun, funny, and suspenseful, and sounds like the perfect way to re-immerse ourselves in the joys of live theater. And of course, COVID-19 protections will be followed throughout each nightly run.

best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021

The best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: Perfect Crime. Courtesy Photo.

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2. City Winery

We can’t believe that we are finally able to hear live music again. Favorite venue City Winery has reopened for socially-distanced concerts with extremely limited capacity. After completing the mandatory health screening, you and your party will enjoy a private table, as well as the option of dinner during the show. Check out the lineup of upcoming artists, and secure your seat before its gone.

art culture live events

The best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: City Winery. Courtesy Photo.

3. Immersive Van Gogh

Not able to safely travel to New York? This event may be the one for you. You may have heard of Immersive Van Gogh, which is comprised of five shows, that are all headed to cities across the United States. Though the shows will vary slightly, each one will surround you in a 360 experience of the Dutch painter’s work, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in his images. Some use movement, some use music, all aim to give attendees fresh perspective on the icon’s art. Find the exhibit that is nearest to your city, and get your tickets now.

art culture live events

The best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: Immersive Van Gogh. Courtesy Photo.

4. Blindness

Much has been written about Blindness, which was one of the first in-person shows to emerge this spring. Based on the novel by José Saramago, the show is an audio play written by Simon Stephens, and experienced by the masked audience through headphones – no live actors are present. After beginning in London, the show opened at the Daryl Roth theater in New York in early April, where it has been met with much success. We have loved seeing the ways that theater has found magic in the adaptation required by these exceptional times, and Blindness is the perfect example.

art culture live events

The best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: Blindness. Courtesy Photo.

5. The Social Distance Dance Club

For more magic and innovation, check out the unique dance show at the Park Avenue Armory. From Steven Hoggett, David Byrne, and Christine Jones, comes a brilliant new way to connect with others in these isolating times. After entering the dance hall, attendees move freely in their own socially-distanced spotlights, while enjoying music from DJ Natasha Diggs. They can follow the spoken choreography or dance in whatever way they like. If you’ve been looking for a dose of energy, this is the show for you.

The best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: The Social Distance Dance Club. Courtesy Photo.

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6. Bryant Park Picnic Performances

Still don’t feel comfortable with indoor activities? That’s okay, because Bryant Park is bringing all your favorite acts to their beautiful lawn. Beginning on June 9th, their annual picnic performance series recommences, with The New York Philharmonic playing the opening notes.  The rest of the performers have not yet been announced, but since the program is hosted in conjunction with Carnegie Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York City Opera, Classical Theater of Harlem, Joe’s Pub, and many other legendary art institutions, we can only imagine what’s to come.

in-person performances

Best live events in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: Bryant Park Picnic Performances. Courtesy Photo.

7. An Audience with Zainab Johnson

The Shed at Hudson Yards is hosting a new in-person series, where some very special guests perform for an audience of only 150 people. And we can’t wait for the final night of the series, April 23rd, which features comedian Zainab Johnson. A finalist on Last Comic Standing, and a series regular on Upload, Johnson is hilarious, and we’re so glad that she gets to bring our first laughs of live comedy in more than a year.

The best live performances in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021

The best live performances in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: Zainab Johnson. Courtesy Photo.

8. NY PopsUp

NY PopsUp is not something you can buy tickets to, nor is it something you can put on your calendar. But what you can do is follow their handles on twitter and Instagram so that you can be the first to know the next time they manifest some joy. These spontaneous explosions of art are designed to surprise and delight, bringing a much-needed sparkle back to New Yorkers’ every day.  Past performers have included Aisha Jackson, Justin Vivian Bond, Curtis Stewart, and Riley Mulherkar, and we can’t wait to see who’s next.

in-person performances

The best live performances in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: NY PopsUp. Courtesy Photo

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9. Stand Up NY

Stand Up NY is one of our favorite places to catch great comedy, and they’re now back with in-person shows. Find the funny on the Upper West Side, with shows next month featuring Eric Neumann, Matt Rife, and Modi. We’re certain that more performances will be announced, so keep checking the calendar for more.

The best live performances in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021

The best live performances in arts entertainment and culture spring 2021: Stand Up New York. Courtesy Photo

10. Shakespeare in the Park

It feels like Shakespeare in the Park – with its glorious, outdoor performances – was made for this moment, and we’re thrilled that it’s returning this summer. Beginning July 6th, you can wait in line for your free tickets to Merry Wives, an adaptation of The Merry Wives of Windsor by Jocelyn Bioh. Directed by Saheem Ali, the production takes place in South Harlem, and is a celebration of Black joy and New York’s immigrant community.

in-person performances

Performances to experience live in-person art and culture events: Shakespeare in the Park. Courtesy Photo

The top ten performances to experience live in-person events

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This article contains affiliate links to products independently selected by our editors. As an Amazon Associate, Dandelion Chandelier receives a commission for qualifying purchases made through these links. 

Abbie Martin Greenbaum grew up in New York City and currently lives in Brooklyn, where she drinks a lot of coffee and matches roommates together for a living. At Oberlin College, she studied English and Cinema, which are still two of her favorite things, along with dessert and musical theater. She believes in magic.

Abbie Martin Greenbaum

Abbie Martin Greenbaum is a writer, reader, and pop culture connoisseur, who loves storytelling, coffee, and dessert. Her work has also appeared in Playbill.